Related factors to self-care behaviors in elderly with hypertension based on the Health Belief Model in Uremia County

Abstract

Introduction: High blood pressure is the most important public health problem in developing countries. It a leading cause of stroke, kidney failure, premature death and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease particularly in elderly. The aim of conducting this study was to investigate the factors associated with self-care behaviors in elderly with hypertension based on health belief model in Uremia County. Method: In this cross-sectional study of 120 elderly patients with hypertension who covered by health care centers in Uremia city were randomly enrolled. Data collection questionnaire included demographic questions, knowledge, self-care and health belief model structures. Data using ANOVA, linear regression analysis using software was 16 SPSS. Results: The mean age of the elderly was 72.6 ± 11.72 years. The results showed that self-care behaviors had a significant relationship with gender, marital status, and economic situation. Perceived self-efficacy (B=0.382) and perceived susceptibility (B=0.20) were highest and lowest predictors of self-care behavior among HBM constructs respectively and were statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the results, HBM constructs can play an important role in hypertension control among an elderly and perceived self-efficacy was more predictor hypertension self-care behaviors between HBM constructs. Therefore, recommended that researchers focus on another HBM constructs on self-care behaviors in the elderly at future studies.